WORCESTER — The part of Chandler Street that runs between Park Avenue and Piedmont Street has had its share of problems over the years.

A neighborhood in transition, between downtown and the West Side, it has had to deal with all sorts of crime and housing and building code issues. All of which did not foster a particularly favorable business climate there.

But a contingent of local and state elected officials, led by Mayor Joseph M. Petty, viewed firsthand Tuesday afternoon how things are changing there.

Fueled in large part by a growing number of immigrant entrepreneurs, that part of Chandler Street has fewer empty storefronts today.

The street is lined with a variety of businesses including ethnic restaurants and convenience stores, a furniture and antiques store, a bicycle shop, a barbershop, beauty and nail salons and various automobile-related businesses, among others.

"Chandler Street has flourished and evolved into a thriving business and residential area," said District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera, whose district includes the Chandler Street area.

Joined by U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, state Rep. Mary S. Keefe, D-Worcester, and Ms. Rivera, Mr. Petty led a walking tour through the Chandler Street area that attracted some 50 city officials, neighborhood residents and business owners.

As the elected representatives of that part of the city, Ms. Keefe and Ms. Rivera helped bring to the attention of the senator, congressman and mayor the issues facing that neighborhood and its needs.

"A walk like this can be a real eye opener," Ms. Keefe said. "Hopefully it will inspire us to work together and keep striving for improvements."

During the 75-minute walking tour, the contingent paid visits to a number of the small businesses along Chandler Street.

At each stop many of the owners made it known how happy they were with the direction the neighborhood is heading and its more friendly business climate.

"I'm very impressed with the neighborhood and the quality of businesses that are here," said Albert Maykel, who has owned The Living Earth at Chandler and Dewey streets for 42 years. "Driving to work every day, I really didn't pay much attention to what was happening elsewhere on Chandler Street. But this (mayor's) walk opened my eyes; things are really changing here. The difference is noticeable up and down the street."

Instead of hearing about complaints, Mr. McGovern said, the mayor's walk proved to be a "celebration of success stories."

He said he was impressed by how upbeat and positive the business owners and residents of that area were.

"It wasn't that long ago when this was an extremely tough neighborhood in this city," Mr. McGovern said. "But with all the positive conversations we had today with the business owners and people, it makes you feel good. It shows that this city is moving forward and we're not going to stop here."

Mr. Markey, who participated in the mayor's walk after spending time in the western part of the state earlier in the day, said what struck him most was the diversity of the businesses and business owners in that part of Chandler Street.

"The total diversity of this neighborhood is really something," he said. "You stop by five different businesses and you can experience five different cultures and languages. And based on what these people told us, many of these businesses appear to be very successful."

Mr. Petty, meanwhile, said the diversity that is reflected among the businesses on Chandler Street is a microcosm of the city as a whole.

"I was very impressed by what I saw on this walk," the mayor said. "The diversity on this street stuck me, too. These are the new faces of Worcester and it shows how we are a changing city."

Mr. Markey's visit to the city was part of a statewide tour he is conducting this week. A former colleague of Mr. McGovern's when he was a congressman, he said he intends to continue working closely with Mr. McGovern in his new job as a senator.

Other elected officials on the walk included City Councilors Konstantina B. Lukes, Frederick C. Rushton and Philip P. Palmieri.

Mr. Petty said he appreciated the fact that Mr. Markey, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Keefe and several city councilors took the time to participate in the walk

He said it shows people that their elected officials care about them and their needs.

"It means a lot to people when they have a U.S. senator and congressman visit their business," Mr. Petty said. "Sen. Markey promised that he would be back to Worcester after the election and he made good on that promise. I'm sure this will be the first of many visits he makes here."

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!